State to Mediheal patients: Seek organ transplant services elsewhere

Mediheal Hospital in Eldoret/SCREENGRAB

The government has advised patients receiving or seeking organ transplant services at Mediheal Group of Hospitals to seek care at other facilities.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale named eight licensed kidney transplant facilities where patients could get the services.

He said patients should seek the services at Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, M.P. Shah Hospital, Nairobi Hospital, St. Luke's Hospital- Eldoret, Nairobi West Hospital, and Mater Hospital.

The advise comes hot on the heels of an investigative report by German broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) which alleged that Mediheal Group of Hospitals in involved in a global organ trafficking syndicate.

The hospital’s Group Vice President in charge of Operations, Maryline Limo has, however, denied the claims, insisting that they follow all legal and ethical guidelines, as per industry standards, which prohibit the commercial sale of organs.

The ministry of Health has further appointed a team to undertake a comprehensive audit of all kidney transplant services at Mediheal in the last five years.

The Independent Expert Committee will comprise experts from public and private health facilities, professional associations, and relevant regulatory bodies.

In a statement, Duale further directed the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council to suspend forthwith issuance of new licenses for foreign medical practitioners in Kenya except those from the East African Community member states until the existing standards and guidelines are reviewed to conform with international best practice.

“In addition, KMPDC is directed to carry out an audit of all licensed foreign medical practitioners in the country and submit a report to my office within 90 days,” Duale said.

His office has also suspended kidney transplant services at Mediheal until further notice.

“This decision follows credible concerns from government and citizens regarding the facility's adherence to required ethical standards in the conduct of transplant procedures,” Duale stated.

The Independent Expert Committee is also expected to submit its report within 90 days from the date of appointment.

He team will focus on governance, clinical practices, ethical compliance, and patient safety protocols.